Aiea Tennis Standout Entering Doubles Tourney This Week
The spattering of fans that attend the average high school tennis match is in stark contrast to the multitudes that attend a match at the Kailua Racquet Club’s Women’s Night Doubles Tournament.
Punahou senior and Aiea resident Katie Kim learned that last November when she made her first appearance at the tournament.
Asked what makes playing in KRC’s Women’s Night Doubles Tournament special, she answers without hesitation: “A couple of things. No. 1, I remember getting to play in front of that crowd. It’s like a change of scenery with all the people. No. 2, I really like the introductions. Last year when (tournament director) Bruce Nagel introduced me, he said that he’d never seen so many eraser marks on an entry form.”
On the tennis court or in the classroom, Kim is thorough in everything she does, including writing her bio for the tournament.
She’s equally on target with her tennis game, taking second at the state tournament last May with Dani Young, and Kim teaming up as a sophomore with Ashley Ishimura to win a state doubles title.)
This week, as she begins the Kailua tourney, she will play with Mililani standout Alyssa Tobita.
Recently, MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander found out more about Kim.
What is your earliest sports memory? I started when I was only 6, and I can remember my parents were just so happy when I could just get the ball over the net. Tennis was much simpler then.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Eric) because I spend a lot of time with him. He’s like my best friend, and he’s my coach. We train together and play together, and he’s given me a lot – like sending me to a private school. I’ve definitely learned my life’s lessons from him.
When did you know you had a future in tennis? I became more serious about it when I went to high school. I’ve always tried to enjoy tennis in the moment, but in the back of my mind, I knew I was working toward the future. It became harder as I grew older.
Who is your favorite musical artist? I like Katy Perry and The Beatles. I love John Lennon and George Harrison and The Beatles – especially (the songs) In My Life and Here Comes the Sun.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I do enjoy reading, but that’s something I do when I feel motivated. I also like to swim with my friends. When we have free time at Punahou, my friends and I get together and swim in the pool and then we go to breakfast together.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Living in a mansion on the beach.
If you were planning a trip, what would be your dream destination? I would go to any Spanish-speaking country, probably Argentina. I love the Spanish language. I want to become fluent in Spanish.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? I would like to meet (actress) Hillary Swank – she’s my favorite actress. And the character Rick from The Walking Dead.
